No matter how long you think your mobile devices can maintain a full day’s charge, you’re going to be put to the test. It’s always going to be a race to find an outlet or to boot up your computer as your phone’s battery starts to fade out completely. It’s happened to me plenty of times. When I’m at a conference. When I’m at a meeting. When I’m rushing to catch a flight. No time is a good time, either. When that battery does go, you’re in a lonely world. No email, no calls, no texts, no twitter or Facebook updates.

Let’s face it. Our mobile devices are our lifelines to friends, family and colleagues. They can help us keep in touch just as easily as they can help make it through a deadline or a sale by getting immediate information. During a recent trip for work, I stopped into a mobile accessory shop at the airport. Tired of lugging around extra batteries and a bag full of cables and chargers, I picked up an iGo Charge Anywhere unit.

Is it the traveler’s best friend? Does it deserve a spot in your gear bag? Let’s find out…

The first thing you’ll notice about the iGo Charge Anywhere is that it’s small. It comes in under 4 ounces, and is easily pocketable at 2.28 x 2.52 x 1.46 in. The fact that this iGo charger is so portable means that you are more likely to keep it with you. Quite frankly, if it’s a task to keep something on-hand chances are you won’t have it handy when you do need it.

This little guy fits in your pants pocket, tucked away in your jacket, or easily accessible in your bag — without taking up too much space or weighing you down. If I’m going on a flight, I have the iGo snug in a jacket pocket (most likely a SCOTTEVEST with my phones, iPad and other devices for easy reach). What’s really great about the iGo is that you can charge up the unit itself ahead of time, allowing you to give some juice to your BlackBerry, iPhone, Android or Windows Phone without having to search for an outlet.

Then, when you are back at your hotel room you can simply connect two devices to the iGo via USB ports to charge them up. The fact that most devices have USB cables to keep them charged on your PC or Mac means you can use those instead of lugging around yet another AC outlet charger. This is great for keeping your gear bag minimalist with only what you need.

While this unit won’t charge up a laptop, netbook, or even an iPad by itself (though you may want to check out this adapter that Doug recently covered) — the iGo Charge Anywhere easily keeps two mobile phones powered up. Great for a couple on the go.

[just don’t comment on my scratched up old table...]

Features & Benefits:

Works as a wall charger to charge almost any device while simultaneously charging its integrated battery for device charging away from a wall outlet

No need to buy a new charger when upgrading your devices; compatible with the latest models

Works worldwide; no need for a voltage converter when traveling

Specifications:

Dimensions: 2.28 x 2.52 x 1.46 in (58 x 64 x 37 mm)

Weight: 3.8 oz (107 g)

Input Power: 100-240 VAC; 50/60 Hz

Output Power: 5W

Battery Capacity: 1800mAh

Price: $49.99 – available from iGo’s website.

Likes: Lightweight, portable power that will keep your phone going. Ability to charge more than one device with or without an outlet. Better than keeping up with a bag full of manufacturer’s charging cables. Great for emergency use when you need to make sure you can make that call or get in touch.

What Needs Improvement: A bit expensive (though you can charge two devices via USB with the iGo — making it a more preferred solution for me personally).

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These are good products and are versatile for charging laptops, cellphones, ipod, and bluetooths. Do not order from their site. Descriptions on half the items are not complete, their return instructions are vague, they do not offer any store credits and only give refunds before 30 days from purchase. Purchase items from a retailer that you can trade-in or get store credit.